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Inherit SpaceThe objective of the proposed research was to begin development of a unique educational tool targeted at educating and inspiring young people 12-16 years old about NASA and the Space Program. Since these young people are the future engineers, scientists and space pioneers, the nurturing of their enthusiasm and interest is of critical importance to the Nation. This summer the basic infrastructure of the tool was developed in the context of an educational game paradigm. The game paradigm has achieved remarkable success in maintaining the interest of young people in a self-paced, student-directed learning environment. This type of environment encourages student exploration and curiosity which are exactly the traits that future space pioneers need to develop to prepare for the unexpected. The Inherit Space Educational Tool is an open-ended learning environment consisting of a finite-state machine classic adventure game paradigm. As the young person explores this world, different obstacles must be overcome. Rewards will be offered such as using the flight simulator to fly around and explore Titan. This simulator was modeled on conventional Earth flight simulators but has been considerably enhanced to add texture mapping of Titan's atmosphere utilizing the latest information from the NASA Galileo Space Probe. Additional scenery was added to provide color VGA graphics of a futuristic research station on Titan as well as an interesting story to keep the youngster's attention. This summer the game infrastructure has been developed as well as the Titan Flight Simulator. A number of other enhancements are planned.
Document ID
19970025444
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Giarratano, Joseph C.
(Houston Univ. Clear Lake, TX United States)
Jenks, K. C.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX United States)
Date Acquired
August 17, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1997
Publication Information
Publication: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) /American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Summer Faculty Fellowship Program
Volume: 1
Subject Category
Social Sciences (General)
Accession Number
97N24998
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG9-867
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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